True Heroes

With Nana Patekar, Sonali Kulkarni and Mohan Agashe in lead roles, the film is based on the life of Amte, son of the well-known social worker Baba Amte, and his wife Mandakini. It shows how the couple spent their lives working with tribals in the forests of western Maharashtra.

The film has travelled to many international festivals, as well. “At the Montreal Film Festival, 3,500 Canadians sat on the ground to watch it. I think the impact of their work transcends barriers of language and race,” says Porey.

The filmmaker recalls how she nearly “lost” the movie to Aamir Khan Productions. “I visited the Amtes in Hemalkasa in Gadchiroli district, where they live and work. But I was told that Aamir Khan Productions have already approached them for a biopic. I stayed there for eight days and before leaving said, ‘I would want to make this film’,” says Porey. Within a week, she was given the exclusive rights. Dr Prakash Baba Amte –The Real Hero was screened as part of the 13th Pune International Film Festival, which closes on January 15.